Dr. KARTHIK KUMAR MANI

DR. VIRNA SHAH

Abstract

Aim:To study the effectiveness of Telemedicine in Neuro Ophthalmology(N-O)Design:Retrospective observational study.Materials & Methods:Data of patients referred from 13 primary Vision Centers(manned by optometrists/trained midlevel ophthalmic personnel) in rural areas to N-O clinic at tertiary eyecare hospital(facilitate a real time telemedicine visit with a remote Physician)over 18 mths.Clinical,demographic profile,diagnosis,time between onset of symptoms & starting treatment were analysed.Results:63% of referred patients from vision centres visited base hospital.Out of 335 patients treated,major diagnoses were Cerebrovascular accident(17),Optic neuritis(14), Ocular myasthenia(13),Papilledema(12),Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy(9),Cranial nerve palsies(59),traumatic optic neuropathy(10), tumors(3).Conclusion:Consultation by teleophthalmology was much cheaper(as travel costs of coming to base hospital cut);helpful in timely diagnosis & prompt treatment of patients with N-O disorders

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